Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder specifically stemming from having experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. This debilitating condition can cause chronic problems like insomnia, panic attacks, overwhelming emotions, self-destructive behavior, and in some extreme cases can even lead to suicide. Many PTSD patients have said that cannabis helps treat their symptoms, and although research is ongoing, recent studies have confirmed the ability of CBD & THC to be extremely beneficial in treating PTSD symptoms and improving quality of life for those suffering.
The two major cannabinoids found in cannabis, THC and CBD, are both compounds that influence the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS plays a crucial role in brain and nervous system function and is involved in modulating other factors such as appetite, sleep, pain, and cognitive function. Researchers believe that chronic stress or a traumatic event can impair the ECS signaling in the brain, therefore leading to many of the symptoms experienced by PTSD patients. Because CBD interacts with and can help regulate the endocannabinoid system, this regulation in turn can help balance emotional behavior and responses to traumatic events. CBD can help reduce anxiety, disrupt fear memories, and allow PTSD sufferers to relax enough to achieve REM sleep.
THC can help treat symptoms of PTSD as well. Anandamide is an internal endocannabinoid that helps send signals throughout the brain and body. It’s also known as the bliss molecule because Anandamide affects areas of the brain that influence concentration, coordination, memory, pleasure and more. THC has a similar chemical structure as Anandamide and can help produce the same chemical outcomes as Anandamide. By acting on the cannabinoid receptors and regulating memory and memory retrieval, THC can lower anxiety, increase relaxation, improve sleep and most importantly decrease physical and emotional response to flashback memories in PTSD sufferers.
Many PTSD patients take prescription medications or antidepressants already, which can play an important role in treatment and recovery. Some look to CBD as a natural alternative if adverse side effects of prescription medications occur, however if you are already on medication or looking to supplement with cannabinoids, be sure to discuss with your doctor first to avoid any possible negative interactions.
All Ouide products are made with only the highest quality full-spectrum CBD oil, which contains the natural goodness of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and trace amounts of THC. For results without a "high", try Relieve+ Healing Oil or our Relieve line of CBD edibles. To incorporate more THC into your routine look to Recovery Mending Oil, or try our Relax line of edibles for an Indica experience (relaxing, best for nighttime use) or Uplift for a Sativa experience (energizing, best for daytime use). As always with CBD, start low and go slow, and be patient. Keep a daily journal of dosage and track your symptoms, you’ll know you’ve reached the ideal dose when your symptoms start to improve.
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